Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum) bursts onto the scene with lovely red buds in late winter, followed by bright red flowers just as spring awakens. Through summer, its glossy green leaves provide a refreshing canopy, only to transform into dazzling shades of scarlet and orange in fall, delivering that iconic autumn show. Fast growth and a broad, oval shape make this native tree a sought-after choice for creating quick shade or an unforgettable seasonal spectacle. It adapts well across much of North America and stands out for its strong trunk, smooth bark when young, and attractive samaras (winged seeds) loved by local wildlife.
Red Maple thrives in soils ranging from clay to sandy loam, as long as moisture remains consistent and drainage is adequate. As a habitat hero, it welcomes squirrels, songbirds, and beneficial pollinators that flock to its early blooms. Deer and rabbits often browse the tender shoots, but mature trees are generally resilient. Use it for a stately focal point on your lawn, group multiple trees for a miniature woodland retreat, or line a driveway for a breathtaking fall corridor. With its robust trunk and wide-reaching crown, it combines effortless beauty with proven adaptability.
Red Maple Tree Care
Select a site with average to moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Full sun is ideal for the brightest foliage color, though part shade works in hotter regions. Provide regular watering for newly planted trees, ensuring the root ball never dries out completely. As the tree matures, weekly deep soakings are beneficial during extended dry spells. An all-purpose fertilizer applied in early spring can boost growth, but established maples often perform well without extra feeding.
Prune in late winter or early spring, avoiding the high-sap-flow period if possible. Lightly remove crossing or damaged branches to maintain a healthy structure. For container-growing in cooler zones, choose a deep pot and watch for root crowding, as Red Maples become large over time. Winter care may include mulching around the base for young trees to protect roots from extreme cold.
Red Maple Tree Spacing
When planting a row or grouping, allow about 25 to 30 feet between each tree to accommodate their full, spreading crown. For a single specimen near a home or sidewalk, leave 35 feet of clearance from the foundation or pavement. If starting in a container, choose one that’s at least 18 inches in diameter, sizing up as the tree’s root system expands.
- SKU:
- 1231015512-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations